Melton racing driver aims to roll back the year in British MG Championship

Racing driver Henry Sharpe has gone back to his roots this season as he gears up for an assault on a British championship.

Henry, who moved to Melton recently, will race an MG Maestro in the British MG Championship which begins at Rockingham in April.

He began his race career in a Maestro in 2004, and went on to drive MG ZRs, Porsche 924s and a Honda CRX.

He said: “Heading into 2015, we wanted a change and going back to where we began was a logical step.

“I can’t wait for the season to start.”

The championship takes in all of the major tracks, including Donington Park, Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park, Oulton Park, and Silverstone.

At Rockingham, Henry will share the driving duties with his 64-year-old father Andy who raced classic touring cars in the 1980s in an Austin A35.

And that’s not the end of the family connection.

Four-year-old son Chase is already helping to prep the car ready for racing, while wife, Lea and one-year-old daughter, Lilah, will be supporting from the stands.

He is also backed by sponsors Mobil 1 and 1st Property Lawyers.co.uk

Andy said: “To be racing in the MG is a great honour, It’s a great brand and we are flying that flag.

“To be sharing the car with one of my sons is also a dream come true.”

The 1989 MG Maestro is a rarity and boasts a 2.0 touring car engine, and a top speed of around 140mph. Henry is confident it will do itself justice against a field of MG ZRs, MG Midgets and MGFs and MGBs.

Henry (32) added: “The handling is lovely and it has a real touring car feel.

“We know the cars, we know the data, so hopefully that will go in our favour.”